CGF CEO Michael Hooper Receives Lifetime Membership

The Commonwealth Games Federation has today awarded the CEO of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), Michael Hooper, lifetime membership of the Federation at its General Assembly on the eve of the XX Commonwealth Games.

Mr Hooper is credited with the establishment of the modern Commonwealth Games administration, transforming it from a small volunteer-based administration when he started as the Federation’s first full time CEO in 2000 to a professional operation that has supported the successful celebration of the Games since in the United Kingdom, Australia and India.

He also led the ongoing development of candidature and contractual processes associated with the award of the Games including the forthcoming Games in Glasgow this July and the Gold Coast in 2018, as well as playing a leading role in securing bids from Canada and South Africa for the Games in 2022.

CGF President, HRH Tunku Imran, in acknowledging the significant contribution made by Mr Hooper, said:

"The CGF is fortunate to have had Mike serve us so well for the past 13 years, and it is entirely appropriate that we recognise his contribution to the success of the Federation," Prince Imran said.

"Mike has worked tirelessly for the success of the Commonwealth Games and the stability of the CGF, and also for the strengthening of sport within the Commonwealth."

A lifetime membership was also awarded to Ian Emmerson OBE (England). Ian was Chairman of Commonwealth Games England from 1998 - 2007, and is a former Regional Vice President of the Commonwealth Games Federation.

Orders of Merit were awarded to:

Sir Arlington Butler, past President of the Bahamas Olympic Committee.

Charles Flowers (Gibraltar)

Edward Pitts (Belize)

Abdoulie Touray (The Gambia)

For media requests contact Peter Murphy at p.murphy@thecgf.com.

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